vertical blinds

[colonelplum]

We have moved into a new "old" house and I want to buy some vertical blinds for my front windows. The big window in front is 114" X 82". Has anyone had any luck with buying blinds online? TIA

[kopenney]

I don't recommend it. There is so many questions to answer that a computer is not going to ask you.

Here are some of the questions I ask people buying vertical blinds.

Inside or outside mount? How much of the window do you want to see through? Do you want the blinds to clear the window? How much wall space is outside of the molding? How wide is your molding? What is your ceiling height? Fireplace? Lightswitches? Bookcase?

Vinyl, cloth, insert vanes?

Live in the country? City? Lights?

Normally I ask questions for the first ten minutes. To narrow down the choices and then I know what to shown a customer.

I HAVE had customers come in after looking online; I do not like working with them. Their basic questions to themselves were not answered and I have to really start all over with them. It's like going ten steps backwards and then starting over. Yes you can get samples send to you.

I guess if you can answer all the questions that i typed and all the basic ones that are prompted by the supplier go for it. What's the return policy if your measurements are off by a 1/2 of a inch?

[rabutthe]

The cheapest and most efficient blinds I have found is at JCPenney's. If you are looking for faux wooden, vinyl or other fabric. If you take your measurements to the store or go online, generally there are a number of options (color, style, etc.) to choose. JCPenney online seems to be the best...you can always return to your nearest catalog center, Eckerd or store.

[Kayakmom]

KOPenney, you sure seem to know a lot about blinds! Do you mind if I ask you about mine? I'm not sure what to do because my kitchen cabinets are right next to my slider and there's only about 1/2 inch between the molding of the sliders and the cabinet. I really don't want to have to buy custom blinds. My kids destroy them and I know they won't last for more than a couple of years. I looked at the Levelors and I liked them and wouldn't mind spending the money if I didn't already know that my kids will mess them up.

[Kayakmom]

The cheapest and most efficient blinds I have found is at JCPenney's. If you are looking for faux wooden, vinyl or other fabric. If you take your measurements to the store or go online, generally there are a number of options (color, style, etc.) to choose. JCPenney online seems to be the best...you can always return to your nearest catalog center, Eckerd or store.

You can return JCPenney stuff at Eckerd? As in the drug store?

[hpowers]

I've had great experiences with JCPenny's ordering online. I've ordered for 7 different sized window that were even interior mount and they all fit perfect. I love the verticals, they don't show dust like the horizontals.

[kopenney]

Kayakmom,

 

From previous experience, Sometimes what you state and what I understand by someone's explanation, can be way off.

Now if I understand your question. Your molding around the slider; sliding door to go outside? Is only 1/2 inch from the cabinets. Make to Measure blinds are probably the way to go, Levolor in Penney's is a Make to measure option. Custom vertical blinds are a bit more.

You go to the store; such as Penney's with a digital picture, I personally love these! plus a drawing with your measurements. A sales associate will be able to help you out.

Now, I haven't sold Levolor products in over 2 years, there are a couple of reasons.

PLEASE look at the Graber line, I HIGHLY recommend them for vertical blinds, great for kids and the family dog. The headrail is patent protected since 1971. No one has the same type. A wee bit more than some of the Levolor, like $15. When you have a great sale. But the $ difference is worth it. Just ask the sales associate when the next good sale is. Look for 65% off with an additional 10%. Once in a blue moon it goes to 70%. I did not have my June sale dates handy.

Hope this helps.